Railway-frog.



Patented Oct. 8, IBM.

T. WEST 81. G. MULLIGAN.

RAILWAY FROG.

(Application fllad Apr. 29, 1901.)

(No Modl.)

TIG IF- INVENTORS 7 A 7TOHNE m 1': warns PETERS co, PuoYo.|.|mo..wAsnwaYou, n c.

NITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

THOMAS D. WEST AND GEORGE MULLIGAN, OF SIIARPSVILLE,

PENNSYLVANIA.

RAILWAY-FROG.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent N 0. 684,020, dated October 8, 1901.

Application filed April 29, 1901. Serial No. 57,950. (No model.)

To all whom zit may concern.-

Be it known that we, THOMAS D. WEST and GEORGE MULLIGAN, residents of Sharpsville, Mercer county, State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Railway-Frogs; and we do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use the same.

Our invention relates to improvements in railway-frogs, avoiding objectionable breaks,

centrally of the frog, in the intersecting rails of the through or main and the side tracks and avoiding destructive pounding or hammering and wear upon the rail-sections of the frog and wear upon the wheels of the rolling-stock.

The primary object of this invention is to improve the construction of a frog of the character indicated, so that the frog is rendered more durable and reliable and so that the frog can be readily kept in a clean and serviceable condition in all kinds of weather.

Another object is to render a frog of the character indicated safer than heretofore, and, in fact, to reduce to a minimum the liability to accidents.

With these objects in view our invention relates to certain peculiarities of construction and combinations of parts hereinafter described, and pointed out in the claims.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure I is a top plan of portions of a through or main track and side track and a frog embodying our invention, and this figure is also illustrative of the operative connection of the shiftable rail-section of the frog with the mechanism for operating the switch-rails for switching rolling-stock from the main track onto the side track. Fig. II is a top plan of our improved frog, and portions are brokenaway and in section in this figure to more clearly show the construction. The parts illustrated in this figure are shown on a larger scale than in Fig. I. Fig. III is a vertical section in detail, showing portions of the frog on line III III, Fig. II, looking in the direction indicated by the arrow. Fig. IV is a vertical section showing portions of the frog on line IV IV, Fig. II, looking in the direction indicated by the arrow. Fig. V is a verdicated by the arrow.

Referring to Fig. I of the drawings, a designates a through or main railway-track; b, a side track leading to one side of the main track; 0, the switch-rail section of the side track, and d the switch-rail section of the main track.

Our improved frog comprises a laterally swiugable or shiftable rail-section e,'arranged centrally of the frog at the intersection of those rails of the tracks a and b in the formation of which the remaining rail-sections of the frog participate, and the said railsee tion 6 is arranged to form a portion of the main track or a portion of the side track, according as the said rail-section c is swung or shifted laterally in the one direction or the other.

Our improved frog comprises also two railsections a and d, which are arranged in close proximity to the sweep of the rail-section e and extend and diverge from one end 'of the said rail-section 6 toward and are arranged in line with the switch-rails c and d, respectively, which rails c and 11 form portions of the side track and main track, respectively, as already indicated, and are arranged between the remaining rails of the said tracks in the usual manner and diverge, therefore, from the frograil sections a and d and are operatively connected, near their farther separated ends, with the switch-operating rod fby meausof a link g, which is arranged between and parallel with two of the ties t, to which the tracks and the frog are secured in any approved manner,

and extends from the main track to the side where the side track leads from the main track, and tho rodfis operatively connected in the usual manner with a crank h of the switch-operating crank-shaft h, which is ar-' ranged parallel with and a suitable distance from the main track and is provided with a lever 7L2 for operating the shaft. The switchrails c and d are attached to the connected frog-rail sections a and d by straps j, secured to the said rail-sections in any approved manner.

Our improved frog comprises also two railsections a and Z), which are arranged in line with the rail-sections cl and 0, respectively, and a suitable distance from the last-mentioned sections and extend into close proximity to the sweep of the rail-section e. The frog-rail sections 0 and cl, as already indicated, diverge from one end of the rail-section e, and the frog-rail sections a and b diverge from the other end of the said rail-section c. The rail-sections a and 1) form portions of the main track a and side track 1), respec tively. The rail-sections a and I) meet each other adjacent to the rail-section e and are cut away and fitted or welded together at their contiguous ends, so that they both terminate at the adjacent end of the rail-section 6.

As already indicated, the rail-section e is capable of being swung or shifted laterally, and the arrangement of parts is such that the said rail-section e shall be arranged in line with the frog-rail sections b and c and extend between the opposing ends and close to the said rail-sections b and c or shall be arranged in line with the frog-rail sections ct and cl and extend between and close to the opposing ends of the said rail-sections a and d, according as the said rail-section e is actuated laterally in the one or the other direction.

The rail-sections a and Z) of the frog are rigidly secured in any approved manner to a plate is, which is rigidly secured to the horizontally-arranged base-forming platel of the frog. The base Zrests upon and extends over and is suitably secured to several of the ties 25. The plate It constitutes a raised portion of the base Z.

The rail-sections c and (Z of the frog are rigidly secured in any approved manner to a plate m, which is rigidly secured to and constitutes a raised portion of the said base Z.

The rail-section e rests upon and is rigidly secured in any approved manner to a plate 0, which extends between the plates or raised portions and m of the base Z and is pivoted vertically, as at 0, near the meeting ends of the frog-rail sections a" and b to the said base, so that the said plate 0 is capable of being swung in a horizontal plane upon the said base, between the plates or raised portions it and m of the base. The pivot 0 extends, preferably, into the rail section c. The plate 0 has its opposite ends extending into close proximity to the plates or raised portions 70 and m of the base l, and the opposing edges of the said plates or raised portions 70 and 'm extend circumferentially of the axis of the plate 0 to accommodate the extension of the said plate 0 and the rail-section 6 upon it into close proximity to the said plates or raised portions of the base without interfering with the shifting of thesaid intermediate plate 0 upon its axis to bring the rail-section thereon into line with the frograil sections a and d, as shown in Fig. I, or into line with the frog-rail sections b and c, as shown in Fig. II, according as the said intermediate plate 0, with the rail-section thereon, is actuated in the one direction or the other.

The plate 0, and consequently the railsection 6 upon it, is operatively connected with the switch-operating shaft h, and the mechanism employed in establishing operative connection between the said parts comprises, preferably, an arm 0 which is rigidly secured to the upper side of the plate 0 and projects laterally of the said rail in the direction of the aforesaid shaft, as shown more clearly in Fig. II, and the arm 0 is operatively connected by a link 0 with one end of a bar p, which extends in under the outer rail of the side track 11 and is arranged between and longitudinally of two of the tiest and has its other end connected by a rod 1) with the crank 713 of the shaft h. Suitablyapplied guides 10 retain the bar 13 parallel with the said ties and prevent displacement of the said bar laterally between the said ties. The link 0 extends through a strap or ear 1, with which the base 0 is provided. The arm 0 as shown very clearly in Figs. II and V, is attached to the link 0 by avertical pin 1', which extends through the link 0 and is screw-threaded externally at its lower end (see Fig. V) and screwed into a correspondingly-threaded hole 0, formed in the said arm 0 The pin 0' at its upper end has a flange r overlapping the upper side of the arm 0 and secured to the said arm 0 by a screw 9, and the flange '1", formed on the pin 0 and secured to the arm 0, obviously prevents loosening of the pin.

By the construction hereinbefore described it will be observed that the rail'section e of the frog and the switch-rail sections 0 and cl of the side and main tracks are simultaneously'operated by a proper manipulation of the operating-lever 7L2 and that the said railsection 6 of the frog forms a portion of the side track or a portion of the main track, according as the switch-rail section of the side track or the switch-rail section of the main track is rendered operative. When the frog rail section c forms a portion of the main track, as shown in Fig. I, the switch-rail section d of the said track is in an operative position, and, obviously, when the rail-section e is shifted to form a portion of ,the side track, as shown in Fig. II, the switch-rail section 0 of the side track becomes operative.

Means for limiting the movement of the rail-section c of the frog is provided, and the means employed for limiting the movement of the said rail-section e in the direct-ion of the operating-shaft comprises, preferably, a plate or block 3, which is rigidly secured to the outer side of the web of the frog-rail section cl and projects a suitable distance beyond the inner end of the said rail-section cl, as shown very clearly in Figs. II and V, and has the arrangement required to render it capable of being engaged and form a stop for the rail-section e of the frog when the said railsection 6 is actuated into line with the railsections and d of the frog. The means for limiting the actuation of the rail-section e of the frog in the opposite directionthat is, in the direction in which the said rail-section is shifted during the actuation of the same into I line with the frogrrail sections 12 and c-comprises, preferably, a plate or block M, which is rigidly secured to the outer side of the web of the frog-rail section 0, as shown in dotted lines, Fig. II, and in solid lines, Figs. IV and V, and projects beyond the inner end of the said rail-section c in position to be engaged by the adjacent side of the web of the railsection e when the said rail-section c has been brought into line with the side-track frograil sections 0 and d.

Means for preventing upward displacement of the pivoted end of the plate 0 is provided and (see Figs, II and III) comprises, preferably, two plates or blocks wand w, rigidly secured to the basel at opposite sides, re-

spectively, of the sweep of the plate 0, adjacent to or near the pivoted end of the said plate 0 and having inwardly projecting flanges w overlapping the upperv side of the said plate 0, whichflanges w are long enough to overlap the plate 0 in either position of the said plate 0. I

Means for preventing displacement of the plate 0- upwardly near the opposite or free end of the plate 0 is provided and comprises, preferably, two plates or blocks a: and y, rigidly secured to the plate or raised portion m of the base I and projecting'beyond the inner end of the said plate orraised portion m and overlapping the upper side of the sweep of the plate 0. The plate orblock 00 (see Figs. I, II, IV, andV) is secured to the plate or raised portion m at the outer .side of the side-track frog-rail section o'and is'arranged to overlap the upper'side of the plate 0 when the said plate 0 is inposition with the railsection e thereon in line with theside-track frog-rail sections 1) and c. I

' The plate or block y (see Fig. II) is preferably interposed between the fro -rail sections 0 and d, which are preferably cut away at the base to more satisfactorily accommodate the said location of the said membery. The

plate or block y overlaps the upper side of the'plate 0 in either position of the said plate 0; but the rail upon the said plate 0 is cut away at the base, as at 6, (see Fig. IV,) to accommodate the aforesaid location of the said member y.

It will be observed that ourimproved construction of frog renders it. conveniently cleanable and maintainable in a clean and working condition, because any matter lodging upon the base Z, between the raised portions is and m of the base, can be readily swept from the base as there are no pockets or recesses formed in the base-for catching such matter. It will be observed also that our improved frog is exceedingly simple and durable in construction, reliable in its operation,

and not liable to get out of order.

We would here remark that the-plates or blocks to are gradually reduced in width, as at 10 (shown by dotted lines, Fig. 11,) below their flanges w, in the direction of the sweep .of the shiftable rail-section, so that the space below the said flanges 20' can be readily kept We would reping or lateral displacement of the movable rail-section e; but to more positively prevent tipping or lateral-displacement of the said rail-section we have provided two plates-or blocks a and b rigidly secured in any approved manner to the rail-sections a and b:

by bolts or screws a and b as shown" in Figs.

II, III, and IV, and overlapping oppositev sides, respectively, of the web of the rail-sec tion a, between the axis of the said rail-section" and the rail-sections a and b. a

- It will be observed that the stationary base Z has no holes or recesses forming receptacles for dust, dirt, accumulation of ice, &c., at the upper surface of the said. base between the raised portions 70 and m thereof and can be readily kept clearof obstructing matter be= cause the movable section of the frog rests between the raised portions k and m hasits bottom flush with the upper. surface of the basel at the sides of the said space, so that the path in which the base 0 of the said frogsection operates is not closed at the sides and" the upper surface of the base Z-under and ad jacent the ,said path can easily be kept swept clean at-all times. 'Also the cutting away to a point, as at 10 of the inner ends of the blocks to below their flanges w is important to prevent the accumulation of obstructing matter under the'said flangesr What we claim is-- 1. A railway-frog, comprising.astationary basel having two raised portions in andr'narupon the said surface and" the space formed n ranged a suitable distance apart'longitu'dinally of the frog so as to-form, between the said raised portions, a space which is open at thesides and has its bottom flushwith the upper surface of the base at the sides of' the said space, a laterally-swingable frog-section arranged upon the base and'longitudinally of the frog between the said raised portions 70 and m of the base; twostationary rail-sec 'tions ct and b arranged upon and rigid with the raised portion is of the base anddiverging from one end and in close proximity to the aforesaid movable frog-section, and two stationary rail-sections d and 1; upon and rigid with the raised portion m of the base at the other end of the said movable frog section and extending into close proximity to and diverging from the said last-mentioned frog-section and arranged in line with the different first-mentioned station ary rail-secsuitable distance apart longitudinally of the frog so as to form between the said raised portions a space which is open at the sides and has its bottom flush with the upper surface of the base at the sides of the said space;

a plate 0 arranged upon the base and longitudinally of the frog within the aforesaid space and vertically pivoted to the base; means for swinging or shifting the said plate 0 laterally upon the base; a rail-section (2 upon and extending longitudinally of and rigid with the said plate; two stationary railseetions a and 2) upon and rigid with the raised portion of the base and diverging from one end of and extending into close proximity to the rail-section e, and two stationary rail-sections d and 0 upon and rigid with the raised portion on of the base at the other end of the said rail-section e and extending into close proximity to and diverging from the said last-mentioned rail-section and arranged in line with the different first-mentioned stationary rail-sections, respectively, and the arrangement of parts being such that the rail-section e shall be arranged in line with the rail-sections b and e" or in line with the rail-sections a and (1 according as the aforesaid pivoted plate has been shifted into the one or the other of its positions.

3. A railway-frog comprising a base Z; :1. laterally-swingable frog-section resting upon the base and having its axis near one end thereof, and provided, at its other end,with alaterallyprojecting arm 0 mechanism for swinging or shifting the said movable frog-section upon its axis and comprising a link 0 and an externally screw-threaded pin r extending downwardly through the said link and screwed into the aforesaid arm and having a flange 1* overlapping and secured to the said arm at one side of the pin; two stationary rail-sections a and I) mounted upon and rigid with the base and diverging from one end of and extending into close proximity to the aforesaid shiftable frog-sect-ion,and two stationary railsections d and c mounted upon and rigid with the base at the other end of the said shiftable frog-section and extendinginto close proximity to and diverging from the said lastmentioned frog-section and arranged in line with the different first-mentioned stationary rail-sections, respectively, all arranged and operating substantially as shown, for the purpose sp'ecified.

4:. A railway-frog comprising a base Z; a plate 0 resting upon the base and pivoted to the base vertically near one end thereof and provided, at its other end, with a laterallyprojecting arm 0 mechanism for swinging or shifting the said plate upon its axis and comprising a link 0 and an externallyserew-threaded pin 4 extending downwardly through the said link and screwed into the aforesaid arm and having a flange r; a screw e securing the said flange to the aforesaid arm; a rail-section 6 arranged upon and longitudinally of and rigidly secured to the said plate 0; two stationary rail-sections a and I) mounted upon and rigid with the base and diverging from one end of and extending into close proximity'to the railsection e, and two stationary rail-sections d and c mounted upon and rigid with the base at the other end of the said rail-section c and extending into close proximity to and diverging from the said'last-mentioned rail-section and arranged in line with the diiierent first-mentioned stationary rail-sections, respectively, all arranged and operating substantially as shown, for the purpose specified.

5. A rail way-frog comprising a base Z having two raised port-ions 7c and m arranged a suitable distance apart longitndinallyof the frog so as to form, between them, a space which is open at the sides and has its bottom flush with the upper surface of the base at the sides of the said space, a plate 0 resting upon thebase within the aforesaid space and pivoted to the base so as to render the said plate capable of being swung or shifted in a horizontal plane; means for swinging or shifting the said plate; two plates or blocks 20 and w rigid with the base at opposite sides, respectively,-of the sweep of the aforesaid plate 0 and having flanges w overlapping the said sweep, which plates or blocks to have their inner ends reduced in width below their flanges and in the direction of the sweep of the aforesaid plate 0; a rail-sectionearranged upon and longitudinally of and rigidly secured to the said plate 0; two stationary railsections at and 19 upon and rigid with the raised portion 70 of the base and diverging from one end of and extendingin to close proximity to the rail-section e, and two stationary rail-sections d and 0 upon and rigid with the raised portion m of the base at the other end of the said rail-section e and extending into close proximity to and diverging from the said last-mentioned rail-section and arranged in line with the different first-mentioned stationary rail-sections, respectively, all arranged and operating substantially as shown, for the purpose specified. t

6. A railway-frog comprising a base Z having two raised portions 7c and m arranged a suitable distance apart longitudinally of the frog so as to form, between them, a space which is open at the sides and has its bottom flush with the upper surface of the base at the sides of the said space; a plate 0 resting upon the base within the aforesaid space and pivoted to the base so as to render the said plate capable of being swung or shifted in a horizontal plane; means for swinging or shifting the said plate; two plates or blocks to and w rigid with the base at opposite sides, respeetively, of the sweep of the aforesaid plate 0 and having flanges w overlapping the said sweep; a rail-section 6 arranged upon and longitudinally of and rigidly secured to the said plate 0; two stationary rail-sections a and 6 upon and rigid with the raised portion 70 of the base and diverging from one end of and extending into close proximity to the railsection 6; two stationary rail-sections d and 0 upon and rigid with the raised portion m of the base at the other end of the said railsection 6 and extending into close proximity to and diverging from the said last-mentioned rail-section and arranged in line with thedifferent first mentioned stationary rail -sec tions, respectively; a stationary plate or block 3 interposed between the frog-rail sections 0 and d and overlapping the sweep of the plate 0, and the rail-section being out 20 away at the base, as at e, to accommodate the location of the aforesaid member 1 Signed by us at Sharpsville, Pennsylvania, this 25th day of April, 1901.

THOMAS D. WEST. GEORGE MULLIGAN.

Witnesses:

W. W. KITOH, v I F. H. BARTLESON. 

